Miami: Key West Boat Tour w/ Optional Snorkeling & Open Bar

Experience the Miami to Key West Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Open Bar

Imagine leaving the hustle of South Beach behind early in the morning, heading south across the shimmering waters of Florida’s coast. For about 18 hours, you’ll explore the vibrant underwater world near Key West, enjoy a lively boat ride with music and an open bar, and get a taste of one of America’s most iconic islands. This tour from Miami, offered for just $18 per person, combines the thrill of snorkeling with the relaxed fun of a day on the water—perfect for those craving adventure and sights beyond the city.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to snorkel at the largest coral ecosystem in the mainland U.S., giving you a chance to see colorful fish and marine life in their natural habitat. Plus, the open bar and lively atmosphere onboard make the journey as entertaining as the destination. The hassle-free transfer from Miami Beach simplifies logistics, so you can focus on the fun.

Of course, there are a few points to consider: the overall rating is around 3.6 out of 5, reflecting mixed experiences. Some travelers found the boat staff unhelpful, especially regarding safety instructions for non-English speakers. Still, if you’re eager for a budget-friendly, active day trip, this tour could be just right, especially if you’re traveling with others who enjoy social settings and marine adventures.

This tour suits travelers who are comfortable with long days, enjoy meeting new friends, and want a straightforward way to experience Key West’s beautiful waters. It’s ideal for those looking for a value-packed adventure without fuss, and who are flexible about some logistical imperfections or language barriers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $18 per person, the tour offers excellent value for those interested in snorkeling and coastal sights.
• Marine Wildlife: You might see Barracudas, loggerhead sea turtles, and colorful reef fishes—perfect for underwater photography and nature lovers.
• Lively Atmosphere: The open bar and music onboard enhance the fun, making it more of a social outing than a strictly educational tour.
• Hassle-Free Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Miami Beach make planning easier, removing the need to arrange separate transport.
• Mixed Reviews on Staff: While some travelers praise guides like Tamara, others report difficulty with safety instructions and staff indifference, especially for non-English speakers.
• Long Day Out: The 18-hour duration means you’ll want to be ready for an early start and a full day of travel and activity.

Diving Into the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Early and Traveling Comfortably

The day kicks off at 6:30 AM at the designated meeting point in South Beach—right in front of the Claremont Hotel on Collins Avenue. From there, you’ll hop onto an air-conditioned bus for the roughly 3-hour drive to Key West. The coach ride is an opportunity to relax, enjoy some scenic views, and maybe chat with fellow travelers. Keep in mind, the review mentions that the bus can be quite cold due to overzealous air conditioning and that there’s no Wi-Fi onboard, so plan accordingly.

Arriving in Key West and Boarding the Boat

Once in Key West, the crew will help you board a boat for the highlight of the day. The vessel, operated by Big Dave Tours, features a lively vibe with music and an open bar—if you opt for that add-on. Several reviews praise the “delicious drinks at the open bar,” and some mention that the overall ambiance makes the trip feel more like a floating party than a typical sightseeing tour.

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The Coastal Cruise and Snorkeling Spot

As the boat departs, you’ll cruise along the shoreline, enjoying stunning views of the coast, perhaps spotting some yachts, historic homes, or the iconic Key West skyline. The open bar creates a relaxed, festive mood, and some travelers report the guide Tamara as particularly friendly and informative.

When you reach the snorkeling spot—at what is claimed to be the largest coral ecosystem on the mainland—you’ll gear up and jump into the crystal waters. The reef is teeming with marine life, and you’ll love the chance to swim among colorful fish, including damselfish and parrotfish, as well as larger creatures like Barracudas and loggerhead sea turtles. Many reviewers emphasize the beauty of the reef and the vibrant underwater landscape.

Snorkeling and Marine Encounters

Participants can expect safety gear, marina fees, and taxes included in the price if they select the snorkeling option. The experience is described as “awesome” and “totally worth checking out” by travelers who appreciate the chance to explore such a diverse ecosystem. The reef is accessible for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, although some comments suggest that safety instructions and staff assistance could improve, especially for international visitors.

Returning to Miami

After a few hours of underwater exploration, the boat heads back to Key West for a quick stroll around town if desired—though many travelers choose to relax on the boat or enjoy a drink at the open bar during the return trip. The coach ride back to Miami arrives late evening, wrapping up the full 18-hour day.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour provides round-trip transportation, the boat trip itself, an open bar (if you opt in), and all necessary safety and marina fees. However, food is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to grab a bite in Key West before or after the tour. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

A Word About the Reviews

While some travelers, like Gabriele, rave about the snorkeling and guide, others, such as Deborah from France, express frustration over the staff’s indifference and language barriers. She noted feeling ignored and not understanding safety instructions, which highlights the importance of being prepared for less personalized service and possibly language challenges.

The Value for Money

At $18, this tour is remarkably inexpensive considering the transportation, boat ride, and snorkeling included. It’s a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a taste of Key West’s marine environment without the expense of more elaborate tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with long hours, eager to snorkel at a renowned reef, and looking for an affordable, lively experience. It’s ideal if you enjoy social atmospheres with music and drinks and don’t mind some logistical imperfections or language barriers. It’s especially fitting for groups or solo travelers keen on meeting others and experiencing a full day of adventure.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour provides a practical, fun way to visit Key West’s waters without the hassle of coordinating transport and activities on your own. The combination of scenic coastal cruising, marine wildlife, and a lively onboard environment delivers good value, especially for those on a budget. You’ll enjoy the stunning reef, the open bar, and the chance to relax in a friendly atmosphere—making it a memorable day trip.

However, keep in mind the mixed reviews about staff engagement and safety instructions, particularly for non-English speakers. If you’re looking for a more tailored or educational experience, or if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you might want to explore other options. But if your goal is a lively, affordable, and scenic adventure that captures the spirit of Florida’s waters, this trip is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Meet at the bus stop on Collins Avenue in front of the Claremont Hotel at 6:30 AM, ready for an approximately 3-hour drive to Key West.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Miami Beach is included in the price, making logistics easier.

Can I snorkel without the open bar?
Yes, snorkeling and safety equipment are included if you select the snorkeling option, but the open bar is an add-on.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to the snorkeling spot and back lasts several hours, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and marine life.

What’s the maximum duration of the entire trip?
The full experience lasts around 18 hours, so expect an early start and a late return.

Are food and drinks included?
Food is not included, but drinks at the open bar are available if you choose that option.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Reviews indicate that staff may speak quickly and use jargon, which could be challenging for non-English speakers. Be prepared.

What marine animals might we see?
Expect to see Barracudas, loggerhead sea turtles, damselfish, parrotfish, and possibly yellowtail snapper.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

In the end, this tour offers an accessible, affordable way to enjoy some of Florida’s best coastal scenery and marine life, infused with a lively social vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who prioritize fun and scenic beauty over luxury or personalized service.

You can check availability for your dates here: